Imlay Canyon Gear - Heaps Pack

Imlay Canyon Gear - Heaps Pack - GearReview.com
By Matt Smith

I can't count the number of times that I have been out on a test trip, gearing up for some canyon or other, patricularly remote, unknown, or intense; and run out of room in my pack. I used to think that 2500 cu. in. was the perfect size for a canyon pack. Then I swung wildly the other way and figured too much room is better than not enough. Of course, there is no perfect canyon pack. The size of pack, and it's features is highly dependent on the specific canyon, the group size and experience level, and potential for the unknown.

The Imlay Canyon Gear Heaps pack is the kind of pack that works well when you are going loaded for bear. I tested the Heaps pack in a variety of canyons from non-technical dry jaunts, to full-on wet canyon pioneering. I was never disappointed.

Matt Smith trying to avoid a face shot while pioneering an unnamed canyon in Utah.
Photo: Tom Jones

There are a couple of features that make the Heaps pack unique. The large volume (50 L / 3050 Cu. In. ) is sufficient for your share of 1000 ft of rope, bivy gear, a full wetsuit, food, water....and oh, yeah, don't forget the first aid kit. Large pleated pockets on the back and one side can hold an amazing amount of stuff. Jackets, wet suits, pull cords, harnesses, helmets, pretty much anything but a 60 M rope. That leaves plenty of room in the main compartment for jackets, wet suits, pull cords, harnesses, helmets, pretty much anything including a 100 M rope. and the first aid kit. The top pocket is uncommon on canyon packs, and makes a nice place for a waterproof camera, calories for those cold, wet days, and waterproof topo maps when you are scoping something new. The aluminum stays do an excellent job getting the weight to the waistbelt, which is essential for long, heavy days.

The Heaps drains fairly well thanks to tough mesh along the sides. This comes in handy on long slogs to/from nowhere so the rope and wetsuits can drain and dry. Compression straps are strategically located to make the pack functional when it isn't stuffed full. They also work well to hold 1 liter water bottles in the pockets, dangle a helmet, or strap a wetsuit on the outside when it just wont fit inside!

Imlay Canyon Gear
Heaps Canyon Pack

Durability: As the namesake implies, Imlay Canyon Gear is pretty bomber. The Heaps pack can take a beating. The few buckles are not located in the highest wear areas (though in canyons EVERYWHERE becomes a high wear area). The cordura has held up well in 6 months of testing.

Comfort: primo, enough said. The Heaps packs a full load very comfortably. I slogged 12 miles (that last 12 of 25 that day) out of a canyon with 300 feet of wet rope and wetsuits. My legs and feet ached, but my back and shoulders were in good shape, which again, I attribute to the internal frame stays.

Summary: The Imlay Canyon Gear Heaps Pack is great. It was designed for canyons, by a canyoneer, and it shows. For a measly $209, this is a bargain that will likely outlast other more expensive packs.

For more information contact:
Tom Jones
Imlay Canyon Gear
Canyoneering USA
www.imlaycanyongear.com
2625 S State Street
Mt Carmel, UT 84755
435-648-3089

tom@canyoneeringusa.com

Matt Smith is the canyoneering specialist at GearReview.com, and always gets stuck carrying the longest damn rope and the first aid kit!


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